Class Notes for January 2023

A moving celebration of Carmen’s longstanding commitment to promoting worker cooperatives as one of the best ways to help people overcome the effects of structural racism in New York City and beyond.

Fellows Eric Graf, Madison Griffin, Jonathan Silva, and Kyle Smith will participate in programs under the Center for Court Innovation. Their collective ambitions and passions are set to make justice more accessible and advance civil rights.

Professor Kassem, a national expert on immigration and national security issues, brings years of academic and practical experience to his post as a Senior Policy Advisor for Immigration at the White House Domestic Policy Council.

Brian is a steadfast supporter of CUNY Law volunteering his time for 25 years, first as a member of the Board of Visitors and then the CUNY Law Foundation Board.

Kat Gafycz ’22 went to Texas to present her proposal that could transform climate justice: affirmative citizen suit provisions granting standing to youth plaintiffs enabling them to bring suit against an agency’s act or failure to act. What she left with affirmed her faith in herself and the work ahead.

The Foundation Board welcomed three new members during the past year, Muhammad U. Faridi ‘07, current student Yadira K. Hernández Pérez, and Joey Lipton, as part of its efforts to bring on the next generation of leaders who add strength and diversity to its ranks.

Professor Sofia Yakren delivers the Faculty Address at the 2020/2021 Commencement.

Academic Dean and Professor Fareed Hayat delivers the 2021 Faculty Address.

Labor Organizer Christian Smalls addresses the class of 2022 at commencement.

Please join us in congratulating six CUNY Law students — Xhoana Ahmeti, Amanda Jimenez, Nicolette Moore, Elizabeth Pudel, Heather L. Ramirez, and Hugh Schlesinger — who are awarded 2022 Peggy Browning Fellowships for their commitment to workers’ rights through their previous educational, work, volunteer, and personal experiences.

The Sorensen Center for International Peace and Justice recently received a second $300,000 multi-year grant from the Jerome L. Greene Foundation, enabling the Center to fortify its Fellowship Program and support CUNY Law students to address global challenges at home in all five boroughs of New York City.